ST. GERMAIN - Hundreds of families gathered in St. Germain to celebrate Independence Day, and this year one family who fought for our freedom received an extra special thank you, a free Northwoods vacation.

“If it wasn't for a family [and soldiers] like Greg Meier, there wouldn't be an Independence Day, so that's why we kind of wanted to do this,” said Ken Jackson of Jackson’s Lakeside Cottages in St. Germain.

“I spent 8 and a half years in the military... and then we had 9-11... I decided I hadn't done enough, with my first enlistment, that I needed to do more,” said Meier.

So Meier, like many American soldiers, braved the Iraqi desert, and survived a number of assaults along the way.

"Had a couple of close calls with some mortars that landed with let’s say, very close proximity...Those are the kind of things that test your spirit when your over there," said Meier.

Meier carries with him the injuries from those explosions years ago. But his family is just happy to have him back, and to remember that each and every day is a gift.

"Appreciate what you have, I mean, don't take the time you have with each other for granted," said Meier’s wife, Jennifer.

And the family won’t soon forget the support and thanks shown to them by the people and businesses of St. Germain.

"It's just... Unbelievable,” said a teary-eyed Mrs. Meier, “I don't even have the words."

"There's a lot of fans of Greg Meier in this town,” said Jackson, “So we just want to make sure they have a good time, and remember that there's people that are willing to step up when their name is called. Greg is one of those guys.”

Story By: Kailey Burton